Surface Pro & Latitude 10 Full Windows 8 Tablets

CES 2013 was the first time anyone has been able to go hands-on with the soon-to-be-released Surface Pro from Microsoft. This tablet is not the Surface released months ago running a limited Windows 8 RT edition, but the full desktop version of Windows 8 with support for all of the hardware & software of a traditional laptop.

Surface Pro Specs

10.6″ 1080p IPS Multi-touch Capacitive Screen

2lb Vapor Magnesium Case with integrated kickstand

64GB or 128 GB of storage space

Ivybridge Mobile Core i5 Processor

4GB DDR-3 Ram

Pressure Sensitive Pen

USB 3.0, Micro SDXC, Mini Display port & Headphone jack

802.11 G/N & Bluetooth 4.0

Starting Price: $899

Availability: Early 2013 (no exact date announced)

So what were the impressions from the hands on demos? This is the tablet for people looking for a full fledged computer in a tablet form factor. While the price is high, $899 for 64GB or $999 for 128GB not including the touch cover, the device offers the fastest tablet experience and widest variety of software & hardware.

Now if you’re sticker-shocked at spending so much money for a tablet, then Dell may have the answer for you. The Latitude 10 featuring a full version of Windows 8 has a starting price of only $499 and offers quite the bang for the buck.

The Latitude line has been traditionally aimed at business customers, and while Dell officially states this is the primary customer type for this product, it would make a fantastic tablet for anyone. The full Windows 8 allows you to run any software & hardware that you would on a traditional laptop, and the dock connector offers a docking station (sold separately) which gives you 4 more USB 2.0 ports, full size HDMI, gigabit Ethernet and audio outputs.

So which should you buy?

That’s a rough question because I wouldn’t feel right without mentioning Intel announced the 4th generation of its CPU designed for ultrabooks and windows tablets. It offers impressive power savings and increased performance. Having mentioned that, the question comes down to one of performance and price.

If you’re looking for a second device/iPad/Android competitor: Latitude 10 offers you a bit better than netbook performance with a fantastic display and full copy Windows 8.

If you’re looking for a primary computing device on the cheap: If your looking for web browsing, e-mail, document creation and basic photo editing, Latitude 10 can serve as a primary computer. $500 more for a Surface Pro is hard to justify. I’d highly recommend purchasing the dock to connect keyboard and mouse when using it as a traditional desktop.

If you want the most performance today: The Surface Pro is the way to go. From the i5 chip to the faster ram, USB 3.0 expansion and higher resolution screen you do get what you pay for. The touch cover ($139 extra) is an obvious accessory along with a mini display port to VGA or HDMI connector (for connecting the Surface Pro to projectors or larger monitors) along with a USB 3.0 hub.

-Tim

P.S. What is Apple going to do to counter this? I’ve long been an iPad user (I’ve owned every iPad Apple has released) but with the specs of the Latitude 10 I’m considering a switch. Let’s hope we see a iMac Air with full Mac OS & Windows Bootcamp soon or many will be jumping ship to Windows 8.

Like these tips? Get them for FREE in your email!

Tech Tips Daily - Become a tech pro! Get the very best tech and computer help sent directly to your email every weekday!

Tech Tips Weekly - If you don't want our Tech Tips newsletter every day, then sign up for this weekly newsletter to get the best information of the week. Sent on Fridays.

Other Newsletters

WorldStart's Daily Deals - Every week, we send out great deals in our Daily Deals newsletter. Many of these deals are exclusively for our Daily Deals newsletter subscribers and can't be found with our regular specials.

Just For Grins - Each issue includes a couple clean jokes, some funny quotes, and a hilarious reader's story. Newsletter is sent five days a week.

Enter Email Address:

SubscribeYour e-mail address is safe with us! We only use it to send you the newsletters you request. It is NEVER disclosed to a third party for any reason, ever! Plus, if you decided you don't like our newsletters (don't worry, you'll love them), unsubscribing is fast and easy.